Peter K. Paul (Photo: Ocean County Jail)
A Toms River man who was charged earlier this month in connection with possession with intent to distribute Xanax and Suboxone pills is now facing a charge in connection with the overdose death of a 46-year-old township man.
Peter Keith Paul was arrested Tuesday and charged with strict liability drug induced death and possession and distribution of fentanyl following an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges stem from a call to police on Jan. 26, when Toms River officers were dispatched to a residence in response to an unresponsive 46-year-old male. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, said prosecutor’s office spokesman Bryan Huntenberg. A subsequent investigation revealed that on Jan. 25, Paul sold pills to the victim, a statement said. A toxicology report later confirmed that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death.
Paul surrendered himself to the Toms River Township police station and was transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing, Huntenberg said.
